Deck the Halls, the Organized Way!

One of my favorite things about Christmas is decorating.  Now, usually I am averse to knick knacks and junk of every kind, but at this time of year a Christmas miracle occurs–I magically transform into a snow globe-loving, nutcracker-purchasing, ornament-collecting, cinnamon candle-hoarding Christmas fiend!

So, I thought I would share a few strategies I have developed for enjoying the season, and all of its trappings, without letting them totally take over your home.

1. First, don’t buy anything that you don’t absolutely love.  If you are an impulse buyer, try  asking yourself, “Would I still buy this 99 cent ornament if it were 5 dollars?”
2. I remember my parents would fight every year when untangling the Christmas lights. To avoid similar scenarios, there are 2 ways I have stored my lights (and I have been happy with both methods).  You can  coil them (use a twist tie to secure the coil).  Or, you can find a piece of cardboard (flimsy or firm, either will do) and cut some notches on the two long sides about an inch apart.  Then wind the lights through the notches and around the cardboard.
3. When it comes to storing decorations, use plastic storage bins.  I even went all out last year and bought the expensive ornament compartment boxes (after Christmas when they were cheap, of course).   These protect your ornaments and also make them easy to store, since they stack.
4. Keep your house from looking too cluttered by swapping out your normal decorations for seasonal ones.  For example, you could replace wall hangings with stockings, if you have limited wall space.
5. Another thing you should keep in mind is you don’t HAVE to keep Christmas knick knacks you receive as gifts.  (Actually, sometimes these make re-gifts that people really enjoy.)
6.  Next, a few words about keeping broken ornaments.  I understand why people do this.  Sometimes they think they will repair them.  Other times it’s just too hard to throw a sentimental item in the trash.  Here’s a compromise: designate a SMALL box for broken ornaments.  If you pull the box out next year and see the same broken ornaments, then it’s time to toss them.  However, so long as you don’t fill your small box, go ahead and keep a few broken ornaments if they are sentimental (e.g. your child’s first craft ornament) if it will be fun for you to open up the box every year and see them.

I have more organizing ideas, but I don’t know what my woman to man ration is for readership, so I’m not sure how many people will read this!  If you want to hear more organizing ideas, give me a shout and let me know.

Weirdest Christmas Gift Ideas Ever

Stumped on what to buy for that picky person on your list? How could anyone not like these ideas? Make sure you look at the last one. It’s my favorite (cute and practical).